Minlota D7 v Nikon D70

[theboyfold]

I have a choice to make in upgrading my camera. I can get a Minolta D7 Dynax with no lenses or a Nikon D70 with 2 lenses for the same cost.

Seems a bit of an odd choice but I already have 2 Minolta lenses which will fit the D7. I've looked through the specs of the two cameras and can't see too much in the way of difference. Is the body of the Minolta that much better then the D70? What are the advantages of the Minolta?

Any views or opinions would be creatly appriciated!
Thanks

[simpo two]

theboyfold said:

I have a choice to make in upgrading my camera. I can get a Minolta D7 Dynax with no lenses or a Nikon D70 with 2 lenses for the same cost. Seems a bit of an odd choice but I already have 2 Minolta lenses which will fit the D7. I've looked through the specs of the two cameras and can't see too much in the way of difference. Is the body of the Minolta that much better then the D70? What are the advantages of the Minolta? Any views or opinions would be creatly appriciated! Thanks

Cue Jenny, our resident Minolta salesbod!

The Minolta has built-in anti-shake, which will allow you to pull lower shutter speeds, but I have my doubts about the control layout, which is what I chose Nikon. Remember also that (assuming the D7 isn't full frame) your existing lenses will be longer than before, losing wide-angle. Do they support all camera functions? Maybe they're great but if not, don't let them compromise your decision.

On my F70 I had a 24-50mm lens; great. But on the D70 it was effectively a 36-75mm; ie pretty useless. The 18-70mm that comes with the D70 kit is very good and restores the missing wide angle at a good price.

I think you need to get to a shop and try them both out.

[theboyfold]

That's my first line of attack I think, just wondering what I get for all the extra money... Might take my lenses along as well

I like the look of the layout of the minolta and the nikon seems nice as well. I've written off the 350D after using my girlfriends for a few days, the controls are too small and layout on the back I thought was rubbish!

[_dobbo_]

Got to say the built in stabilisation on the Minolta is a huge plus point. Don't know if I was buying now which way I would go.

Infact yes I do, for the budget I wouldn't have considered a minolta, as I'd have been left with no lens!

[350wedge]

D7's these days can be had new for £670 odd compared to £580 ish body only D70s. If you have minolta lenses already I'd say go for the 7D. Also bear in mind the 5D which is about to be launched which has the same 6 million pixel chip and anti shake.

[mindgam3]

The in built image stabalization only corrects for horizontal movement though doesen't it?

[350wedge]

As far as I know it corrects horizontal and vertical axis. Little point in having the feature if it cant cope with both.

[theboyfold]

I'm thinking the best option on paper would be the D5, as for the same sort of money I can get one with a lens and it has the same image system. And the lens means I won't have lost my wide angle...
I'm hoping to have a look at some on Sunday

[simpo two]

If you found the specs of the D70 and D7 were about the same, but now you're looking at the D5, will that mean the specs are lower than the D70...? Time to hit www.dpreview.com!

[theboyfold]

Tell me about it! Do you sense some indecision in me!! I'm going to have a look at them on Sunday, I'll know a lot more once I've actually seen them

[simpo two]

theboyfold said:

I'll know a lot more once I've actually seen them

Once my ideal camera was the F80 - couldn't wait to get my paws on it - but the moment I picked it up it felt wrong.